Tillerson’s Exit Hurts Iran Deal, But Not Korea Talks

As far as firings under President Donald Trump go, Rex Tillerson's is not the most humiliating. That dishonor would have to go to former chief of staff, Reince Priebus. He learned he was fired through three Trump tweets and soon after was decoupled from the president's motorcade.

Tillerson Fired as Secretary of State, Pompeo Replaces Him

But Tillerson's departure is nonetheless a slap in the face to a former CEO who advised and quarreled with a man who used to play one on TV. As Undersecretary of State for Public Diplomacy Steve Goldstein said in a statement Tuesday: "The Secretary did not speak to the President this morning and is unaware of the reason, but he is grateful for the opportunity to serve." Ouch.

The truth is this was a long time coming. Inside the State Department, Tillerson's allies have long whispered about the rumors of his imminent departure, referring to "Rexit." Trump himself acknowledged Tuesday before boarding Air Force One for California that he and Tillerson had been discussing him leaving since the summer. They just disagreed on too much.